Racing: Ideal draw for Hucklebuck

Rock Diva has drawn a wide gate in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday.Picture / Richard Robinson

Adelaide 3-year-old invader Hucklebuck is challenging for Stradbroke Hcp favouritism as many of the top picks copped shocking gates at the barrier draw for the Eagle Farm feature on Saturday.

Hucklebuck firmed from $7.50 to $5.50 on TattsBet after drawing the inside gate, while stud-bound local hopeful Spirit Of Boom (barrier six) was another significant firmer ($8.50 into $6.50). Srikandi maintained a slender grip on favouritism despite drawing 17 and easing from $4.50 to $5.

Those in the market to draw terribly included Rebel Dane (barrier 20, eased from $5.50 to $7.50), Red Tracer (barrier 16, eased from $9 to $11) and Sacred Star (barrier 20, eased from $12 to $17).

As the betting market swung dramatically, Tattsbet's Gerard Daffy forecast Spirit Of Boom would be increasingly popular and could even start favourite.

The Stradbroke is Spirit Of Boom's last race before the recent Doomben 10,000 winner is retired to stud.

"Even though Spirit Of Boom is currently the third favourite, he might even start favourite as he is one of the most popular horses in the country, is in great form and has now got a good barrier," Daffy said.

"Rebel Dane faces an almighty uphill battle from barrier 22."

Hucklebuck was scratched from the Queensland Guineas last week after it become apparent he had already secured a place in the Stradbroke field.

Victorian filly Srikandi, the winner of six from seven starts, faces a tough task from her barrier but trainer Ciaron Maher remains convinced she can win. "She might be three deep with cover or something like that or he [jockey Glen Boss] will bite the bullet and roll forward," Maher said.

"Srikandi has been thriving up here and has continued to improve from her last run. Her work here has been super and she looks great."

While Tony Gollan was delighted with drawing six for Spirit Of Boom, it was another story with older brother Temple Of Boom who drew 18.

Tony could blame his wife, Jane, who drew Temple Of Boom's barrier but the recent newlyweds were all smiles after the draw.

Queensland Derby favourite Vilanova has drawn barrier 15 for the final classic of the season. The Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old heads a full field of 18 plus two emergencies for Saturday's 2400m feature.

New Zealand fillies Rock Diva and Telepathic have drawn either side of Vilanova in 14 and 16 respectively.

Nash Rawiller rides Vilanova and will be aboard his stablemate Brazen Beau in the J J Atkins (1600m), the final Group One race for 2-year-olds this year. Herald Sun

Fields for the feature events.

R7 5.00, Queensland Derby, A$505,000, 2400m. - Amexed (11), Vilanova (15), Rudy (20), Pinstripe Lane (9), Happy As Hell (12), Bring Back (3), Sonntag (7), Outstrip (6), Takewing (2), Colonel Carrera (19), Elusive Runner (1), Pop 'n' Scotch (13), Our Uncle Archie (17), Meteorologist (18), Auberge (8) 57; Rock Diva (14), Telepathic (16), Granados (10) 55. Emgs: Lever Lever (5), Deckhand (4) 57.

R8 5.40 Stradbroke Hcp, A$1,380,000, 1400m. - Spirit of Boom (6) 58, Rebel Dane (22) 56.5, Famous Seamus (10), Red Tracer (16), Temple of Boom (18) 56; Smokin' Joey (3) 55.5, River Lad (19) 55, Conservatorium (2) 54, Sacred Star (20), Knoydart (14), Belltone (4) 53.5; Velrosso (21), Emblems (8), Reparations (13), Lucky Hussler (11), Scorpio Queen (12) 52.5; Srikandi (17), Hucklebuck (1) 51. Emgs: Masthead (15) 52.5, Into the Red (5), Havana (9) 51, Belle de Coeur (7) , Scream Machine (23) 52.5.

R9 6.20 Brisbane Cup, A$305,000, 2400m. - Moriarty (8) 59.5, Precedence (3) 59, Historian (1) 57.5, Mr O'Ceirin (6) 57, Zephyron (10) 55.5, Zennista (9) 54, Floria (11), Pretty Pins (2), Skysoblue (5), Raeburn (4), Falamonte (7) 53.